UH St. John Roundtable…Obesity, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease

What are the connections between obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease? There are many, and UH St. John Medical Center presented a Physician and Community Roundtable on the topics at the Westlake Rec Center last Thursday evening.

Guests heard a panel discuss the ways UH St. John offers a team approach ready to address every individual’s pathway to wellness through their related issues.

Claire Sullivan, MD, UH cardiologist, and Daanish Kazi, DO, UH bariatric surgeon, discussed the links between obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Latonya Fore, MSN, NP-C, CSOWM, CBN Nurse Practitioner II shared her weight loss perspectives on medicine and obesity treatment.

Dr. Sullivan explained that risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, alcohol use and lack of exercise contribute to heart disease being a greater threat than breast cancer to female longevity. Modifying obesity by taking a small step in the areas of risk can make a huge difference! Lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar and more energy are benefits.

Dr. Kazi, who is also a specialist in acid reflux and hiatal hernia, shared the medical community commitment to the management of risk.

“This takes a team, and we are a team that is here for you,” he said. “UH has seen the need for this support in the community and that is why we are here.” Surgical approaches are now state-of-the-art, some are non-invasive, and hope exists for happy, healthier lifestyles.

Latonya Fore reports that medical complications of obesity are many. For some, medication can help.

For your support and assessment of appropriate compassionate care, please call the offices of Dr. Kazi at (440) 827-5299 located at 29101 Health Campus Drive, Bldg. 2, Ste, 450 in Westlake. They are ready to help!